The New York Giants made a significant organizational change by parting ways with Brian Daboll and promoting Mike Kafka to interim head coach. The move has sparked immediate speculation about who will lead the franchise on a permanent basis moving forward.
Among those offering input is Jay Gruden, who believes his brother Jon Gruden could be a viable candidate for the position. Jay Gruden shared his perspective during an interview with The Arena: Gridiron, pointing to his brother’s experience and approach as potential assets for the Giants.
“I think he’d be very interested. He loves football. He loves Jaxson Dart. If you have a young quarterback as talented like Jaxson, you want a guy like Jon who’s gonna challenge him every day. If you want a guy that gets the most out of your quarterback, the most out of your team, then I believe Jon Gruden would be a good fit,” Gruden said.
“I think he’d be very interested!”
Jay Gruden chats about his brother Jon and why he’d be a great fit for Jaxson Dart and the Giants. pic.twitter.com/aN0poVmkwM
— The Arena: Gridiron (@ArenaGridiron) November 12, 2025
Jon Gruden currently works for Barstool Sports under a three-year contract that began last year. The agreement includes an opt-out clause specifically designed to allow him the flexibility to return to an NFL head coaching role if an opportunity arises.
With the Giants’ position now open, questions have emerged about whether he will pursue that option. Gruden has remained connected to quarterback development through his annual rookie camps.
His recent session with Jaxson Dart drew considerable attention and positive reactions from the football community. During that episode, Gruden expressed strong admiration for the quarterback and hinted at interest in coaching him at the professional level.
His potential return to the NFL carries controversy stemming from his 2021 dismissal after emails from 2018 surfaced containing racist, homophobic, and misogynistic language. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers also removed him from their Ring of Honor following the incident.
The Giants will continue evaluating candidates throughout their search process. A final decision on the permanent head coach may not come until the offseason concludes.
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